Fantasy Baseball 2025: Up-and-Coming Players, Standout Prospects, and Important Players to Keep an Eye on

As we prepare for the 2025 season, analysts are already delving deeply into research, rankings, and identifying breakthrough prospects for the upcoming season. The fantasy baseball landscape is constantly changing. It’s evident that the fantasy baseball scene is always changing, as early rankings for 2025 are already creating a stir. I recently had the opportunity to network with scouts and industry professionals at the First Pitch Arizona conference in Phoenix, Arizona, while also witnessing some of baseball’s best prospects play in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The knowledge this event has provided will help fantasy managers get ready for 2025. Key lessons and emerging talent to watch in the upcoming season are listed here.

Is Garrett Crochet developing into a future Fantasy Ace?

Going into the 2025 season, Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox is one of the most intriguing pitchers to watch. Crochet became one of the few pitchers to effectively move from a bullpen position to a starting rotation berth after a strong 2024 campaign, all the while improving the velocity of his fastball. The average speed of his four-seam fastball increased from 96.2 to 97.2 mph, and he complemented his sinker with a sweeper. Crochet has the potential to become a breakthrough star in 2025 thanks to this blend of movement, pace, and pitch mix.

Crochet recorded a strong strikeout percentage of 36.8% in the last few months of 2024, despite a minor decline in strikeouts. Fantasy managers can expect Crochet to continue his upward trajectory in 2025, as a heavier workload is anticipated. Crochet has the potential to take a significant step forward and become a top fantasy pitcher because of his fastball velocity and swing-and-miss ability.

2025 Breakout Prospects: Who to Look for in Your Fantasy Draft

There are players who come out of the shadows and become well-known in the fantasy baseball community every year. A number of standout prospects have surfaced from the First Pitch Arizona conference as the 2025 season draws near. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable prospects to monitor:

Mitchell, Garrett (OF, Milwaukee Brewers)

One player to watch closely is Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell. Mitchell, who is well-known for his exceptional speed and respectable power, had a successful 2024 season finale, hitting.276/.353/.645 with six home runs and seven stolen bases in the last 30 games. He is a flexible asset for fantasy managers in 2025 because of his speed and power combo. Mitchell has the potential to be one of the best breakout outfielders in the upcoming season, as a daily position is anticipated.

Gavin Williams is a substitute with the Cleveland Guardians.

The Cleveland Guardians’ starting pitcher, Gavin Williams, has long been favored by fantasy baseball pundits. He is an intriguing contender to make a significant leap in 2025 because of his remarkable extension on his throws and electrifying fastball velocity. Additionally, Williams has a curveball that may be a deadly strikeout pitch. Williams might become a top fantasy pitcher in 2025 if he can improve his consistency and command in the major leagues.

Boston Red Sox 1B Triston Casas

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas is another player to watch closely. Despite the fact that injuries have hindered his advancement in the major leagues, he is a breakthrough prospect for 2025 because of his advanced plate discipline and outstanding power potential. Casas has the potential to become one of the best young first basemen in fantasy baseball if he can maintain his health and keep getting better.

AFL Highlights: Potential Players to Watch

Scouting some of baseball’s top young players is always made possible by the Arizona Fall League. A few prospects shone out during the 2024 AFL season and demonstrated their potential for success in the future. In particular, two players generated significant buzz:

The New York Yankees’ Caleb Durbin is playing second base

One of the New York Yankees’ standout players in the AFL is second baseman Caleb Durbin. Durbin, who is renowned for his exceptional speed and on-base abilities, demonstrated his remarkable patience and speed in a recent game by stealing three bases and drawing two walks. Given Gleyber Torres’ upcoming free agency, Durbin might be a dark horse for a position on the Yankees’ 40-man roster in 2025. Durbin’s fantasy value may skyrocket if given the chance, especially in leagues that reward on-base percentage and stolen bases.

Thomas Saggese, St. Louis Cardinals, 2B/3B

Thomas Saggese of the St. Louis Cardinals was another exceptional player in the AFL. Saggese has been dominating the Fall League with a batting average above.400 and an OPS above 1.000 since his brief, forgettable stay with the major league club in September 2024. The Cardinals might benefit greatly from the versatile infielder in 2025, particularly if they decide to let go of veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado. Saggese is a fantasy prospect worth keeping an eye on because of his hot bat and versatility.

A New Prospect for 2025 Fantasy Draft No. 1 Overall Pick

The uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s status is one of the biggest developments leading up to the 2025 season. In many drafts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ DH/SP and fantasy superstar was guaranteed the first overall choice, but his recent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum has sparked worries. There were rumors of possible threats to Ohtani’s fantasy value going into the 2025 season, despite the fact that the surgery was announced following the First Pitch Arizona conference.

Ohtani’s dual eligibility as a pitcher and bat makes him extremely valuable in daily transaction leagues, but his health may play a significant role in where he is selected in the draft. Actually, Ohtani was chosen third overall in the First Pitch Arizona draft-and-hold league, behind Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. As spring training draws near, managers should keep a close eye on Ohtani’s recuperation reports because it’s obvious that he might not be the consensus No. 1 pick anymore.

Is Brent Rooker in 2025 Fantasy Leagues a Hidden Treasure?

Another athlete who attracted notice during the First Pitch Arizona conference was Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker. Recognized for his strength, Rooker was chosen 15th overall in the draft-and-hold league, which was a startling early entry. While his home performance at Oakland Coliseum has been a little lackluster, Rooker has performed noticeably better when traveling, especially to hitter-friendly grounds like Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. Rooker might become a sneaky choice in deeper leagues if he hits 40 home runs in 2025.

2025 Red Sox Rookies to Keep an Eye on

The surge of quality youngsters might make the Boston Red Sox one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2025. Roman Anthony, an outfielder, and Kristian Campbell, a utility player, are two of the best prospects who might be key players in the upcoming campaign. Both players are desirable choices for fantasy managers due to their remarkable power and plate discipline, particularly in scoring leagues. Anthony and Campbell are worth keeping an eye on during the 2025 season since they have the potential to receive consistent playing time despite the Red Sox roster being packed.

Maintain your competitive edge

A number of players and prospects are in position to emerge and have a significant impact as we anticipate the 2025 fantasy baseball season. Fantasy baseball offers a wide range of fascinating options, from pitchers like Garrett Crochet to breakout hitters like Garrett Mitchell and Triston Casas. Keep a watch on the most recent developments, particularly with regard to guys like Brent Rooker and Shohei Ohtani, whose worth may change as spring training draws near. You may get a jump start on winning your 2025 fantasy baseball league by being organized ahead of time and keeping an eye out for new players.